If you’re on the hunt for a simple, flavorful meal that comes together quickly yet feels special, you’re going to want to try my Salmon Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe. These patties are a delightful blend of tender canned salmon brightened up with fresh lemon zest and fragrant dill. They’re crispy on the outside, moist and tasty on the inside—perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a fancy snack. Trust me, once you make these, your family and friends will be asking for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy and Fast: Using canned salmon means you get flavorful patties on your table in under an hour.
Burst of Fresh Flavors: Lemon and dill make these patties taste incredibly bright and fresh, even though they’re made with pantry staples.
Great Meal Versatility: They work perfectly for meals, snacks, or even packed lunches and are kid-friendly too.
Freezer Friendly: Make extras and freeze them for easy reheating on busy days.

The image shows five golden-brown fish cakes with uneven edges, scattered on a white marbled surface. Each fish cake has small green herbs and bits of onion visible in the patty, giving a textured look. One fish cake in the center is topped with a small sprig of dill. Around the fish cakes, small chopped green herbs are spread lightly. Two lemon wedges are placed on the surface, one near the top-left and the other near the bottom-right. There is a small white bowl filled with white sauce near the bottom-right corner and a shiny spoon holding some of the sauce near the left side of the image. The colors are warm and natural with a clean, fresh background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about combining simple ingredients to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Each element plays a role: the bread to bind, lemon and dill for brightness, and bell peppers for a subtle crunch.

Canned Salmon: Make sure to drain it but save some liquid to keep moisture in your patties.
Bread: Use a plain slice with crusts removed; shredded bread binds the patties perfectly without overpowering flavor.
Green Onion: Adds a mild peppery note; include the green tops for extra color and taste.
Garlic: Just a clove to add a little zing without stealing the spotlight.
Fresh or Dried Dill: Fresh always brightens the dish, but dried dill works when you’re pressed for time.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and a subtle sweetness that balances the lemon and dill.
Flour: Helps bind everything together with a light touch.
Egg: The classic binder that keeps your patties from falling apart.
Sweet Paprika: Provides a gentle smoky warmth that I love pairing with seafood.
Lemon Zest and Juice: This is where the magic happens—fresh lemon gives a tangy lift that cuts through the richness.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For frying, it adds a lovely richness and keeps the patties crispy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Salmon Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe is — feel free to make it your own by adding or swapping ingredients based on what you have or prefer. You’ll find experimenting really fun once you get the hang of the base recipe.

Adding Herbs: Sometimes I mix in parsley or chives for an herbal twist that complements the dill nicely.
Spice It Up: If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce stirred into the mix really amps up the flavor.
Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats in place of bread to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
Cheese Addition: Finely grated Parmesan can add a salty, nutty dimension—just sprinkle it in when mixing.

How to Make Salmon Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Magic

Start by gently combining all the ingredients—salmon (including 2 tablespoons of the can liquid!), shredded bread, green onion, garlic, dill, bell pepper, flour, egg, paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper—in a large bowl. I like to use my hands to fold everything together carefully; this helps keep the salmon tender and prevents over-mixing, which can make the patties tough.

Step 2: Shape and Chill

Form the mixture into 8 evenly sized patties about half an inch thick. The chilling step here is crucial—it helps the patties firm up so they hold their shape during cooking. Cover them and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. I sometimes prep this part ahead of time and chill them for a couple of hours, which only makes frying smoother.

Step 3: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the patties (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy. You’ll want to watch closely and flip gently to keep that lovely crust intact. This step gives them the irresistible crunch that everyone raves about.

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Pro Tips for Making Salmon Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe

Don’t Skip the Can Liquid: Retaining some of the salmon’s canning liquid keeps the patties moist and flavorful—don’t drain it all!
Chill for Firmness: I’ve learned that chilling the patties before cooking is a game-changer for holding their shape and getting that perfect crust.
Use Medium-High Heat: Too low, and the patties get soggy; too high, and they burn before cooking through. Find that sweet spot for a crispy outside and tender inside.
Flip Carefully: Using a thin spatula helps flip the patties gently without breaking them apart.

How to Serve Salmon Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe

The image shows five golden-brown patties arranged in a circular pattern on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. The patties have green bits of herbs and vegetables visible inside and are garnished with small sprigs of dill on top. Two lemon wedges are placed between the patties and a small white bowl filled with a creamy white sauce is placed on the side. The lemon wedges are bright yellow and positioned near the bowl and patties. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these salmon patties with a dollop of homemade tartar sauce or a simple Greek yogurt mixed with a squeeze of lemon and extra dill. Some fresh lemon wedges on the side are a must—they brighten every bite and make it feel like a restaurant dish!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for a touch of earthy flavor. Sometimes I serve the patties alongside buttery mashed potatoes or even quinoa to add some hearty comfort to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like serving these patties as sliders in mini brioche buns with a quick lemon-dill aioli and crunchy lettuce. They’re fantastic finger foods at parties too! On casual days, stacking them with a fresh cucumber salad and sprigs of dill on a pretty plate turns a simple meal into something memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store any leftover salmon patties in an airtight container in the fridge—they stay good for about 2 to 3 days. When I reheat them, I try to keep that crispy crust intact (which I’ll share in the next section).

Freezing

One of the best things about this recipe is how well the patties freeze. After forming and chilling, I lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to freezer bags. They keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for a quick, healthy meal.

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping the patties in a skillet with a tiny bit of olive oil over medium heat to revive that crispiness. The microwave can make them soggy, so stovetop reheating is my favorite method for maintaining texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for this Salmon Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe?

Absolutely! While canned salmon is convenient and flavorful, you can substitute cooked fresh salmon. Just make sure to flake it well and drain any excess liquid before mixing so the patties hold together properly.
How do I prevent the patties from falling apart while cooking?

Chilling the patties before cooking is key—it firms them up and helps with structure. Also, handle them gently when flipping and avoid overcrowding the pan to keep that beautiful shape intact.
Can I bake these salmon patties instead of frying?

You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won’t get as crispy as in a skillet, baking is a healthier option and still delicious.
What can I serve with these salmon patties for a balanced meal?

Pair the salmon patties with fresh salad greens, steamed vegetables, or whole grains like quinoa or brown rice to round out your meal nutritionally and satisfyingly.
Are salmon patties good for meal prep?

Definitely! They keep well in the fridge and freeze beautifully, making them an excellent choice for easy meal prep during busy weeks.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Salmon Patties with Lemon and Dill Recipe turns simple pantry ingredients into a dish that tastes fresh, vibrant, and homemade. The blend of lemon and dill is such a bright pairing that it instantly lifts the humble canned salmon to something extra special. Whenever I make these, it feels like a little celebration of flavors. I hope you’ll give this a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious these patties are, and I’m betting they’ll become a go-to in your kitchen just like they are in mine!